Review: Rattlesnake, by Kim Fielding (Rating: 4/5)

* I received an advanced copy of this novel from Pride Promotions in exchange for a fair and honest review. *

This was a gorgeous, slow-build romance about two damaged men finding each other against all odds. Shane is a bartender with a painful past, while Jimmy is a drifter with no home to call his own. While there’s some sensual scenes, this isn’t a spicy erotica novel by any means, and you won’t find any explosive action… just two men falling in love in a small town. In the end, though, it’s a novel about finding a place to call home, and finding a reason stay.

Jimmy has never put down roots, and is content to move from place to place. When he picks up a hitchhiker one night, he ends up with a dying man in his car, and old Tom only has one thing left in his life: getting a letter to his son in Rattlesnake, California, in the hopes of reconciling after decades apart. When Tom dies before completing that act, Jimmy makes the decision to bring the letter to Rattlesnake for him. He expects to be in and out, good deed accomplished. He doesn’t expect Shane Little, though.

As Jimmy finds himself growing closer to Shane, he begins to learn more about the younger man, and finds himself falling in love. But the thought of settling down is terrifying to Jimmy, and he tries to find any excuse to leave town, even though his subconscious (and his heart) want him to stay.

The romance was honestly so sweet, and not at all what I expected! Jimmy has never known love, has never had anyone to take care of him or miss him when he’s gone. Shane is damaged, physically and mentally, but stubborn enough to stand on his own. They’re two men who shouldn’t work together, but they really do.

Kim’s simple way of writing worked perfectly here, because Jimmy is at heart a very simple man. He doesn’t need much, just a roof over his head and a warm meal in his belly. I think Jimmy’s character was very well done, but Shane definitely stole the show. I don’t want to give anything away, but Shane’s history had me reaching for the tissue box!

Also, I love romance novels where the characters aren’t young, fit, and gorgeous. It makes it feel more real, and Jimmy and Shane are about as down-to-earth as they come.